Point of View

UNITED STATES—Are you someone that dines out on a frequent basis? Have you seen an increase in your bill? Do you tip only to find yourself having to tip again because it is already included in the bill? You might be asking why so many questions about dining out? Well things have changed in recent years as a result of...

UNITED STATES—Dear Toni: I lost my job in October 2021 due to COVID layoffs in the oil industry and my wife and I are now enrolling in Medicare Part B since the company paid 18 months of COBRA is almost over. Now I am finding out that there will be a penalty for us by not enrolling when we...

UNITED STATES—Life can be crazy sometimes America. You have a full-time job, you’re in school, you have family issues, your social circle is stressing you out, your health is not great, and the list can go on and on. When you feel overwhelmed it is easy to scream, shout and just cave in, but that is not a great...

UNITED STATES—Toni: I have just enrolled in Medicare Parts A&B because I turned 65 in January. I am currently working with my husband and myself covered under my employer plan. I am being charged a much higher premium for Medicare because our 2021 tax return showed higher earnings. Can you please explain what one turning 65 with employer benefits should...

UNITED STATES─Do you have a smart phone? Do you have a flip phone? A tablet, an iPad? You might be asking exactly what am I getting at. Technology dictates our life that is the message I’m trying to get across to everyone. No matter what you do, technology will always be part of your life in the current world...

UNITED STATES—Dear Toni, I am over 73 and began taking my RMDs (Required Minimum Distributions) from my 401K when I turned 72. Could this have increased my Medicare Part B premium for 2023? This year my Part B and Part D monthly premiums increased to $329.70 for Part B and an extra IRMAA premium of $31.50 for Part D. I am...

UNITED STATES—It is your civic duty America. I’m referring to jury duty, which can be a pain sometimes. You never know when you’re going to receive that summons in the mail, you have no idea how inconvenient it can be in terms of your work schedule, it impacts your personal and family life and then you have to worry...

UNITED STATES—Damar Hamlin, Buffalo Bills Safety suffered a horrific situation during Monday Night Football while the Buffalo Bills were playing against the Cincinnati Bengals. It was a moment for anyone who was watching that football game will never forget. You see players get injured and be carted off the field, but this was a bit different. Hamiln, 24, took...

UNITED STATES—Did you get a gift for Christmas that just wasn’t your cup of tea? Did you get something for the holiday that you really didn’t want? Well there is a reason plenty of retailers nowadays, especially during the holiday season ask if you want a gift receipt. Why? If you got something that you truly didn’t want you...

UNITED STATES—Well all the gifts have been unwrapped and the presents have been purchased. So now what? It’s time for those ‘After Christmas Sales.’ However, the big question that a lot of people ask is rather Black Friday sales are better than After Christmas sales? I used to think it was Black Friday, but sorry America, it is not,...